Fighting For The Best Possible Result

Commercial Trucking Accidents

Protected by high-cost attorneys and deep pockets, the companies running the country’s commercial trucking fleets are hardly affected when one of their tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers is involved in an accident. The consequences for others, however, can be catastrophic.

The sheer size and weight of these vehicles make other drivers extremely vulnerable to extensive injury and death in the event of a collision. As lawyers extensively experienced in commercial trucking accident claims, we work to ensure that your rights to full compensation are protected and adhered to. We are knowledgeable in accident causes and can discern what the evidence tells us about who is at fault and if any trucking and transportation regulations were violated, causing the accident and your injuries.

Be Proactive About Your Accident

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial transportation vehicle of any type, it is imperative that you avoid speaking with the company’s representative or its insurance company or lawyers. Make your first phone call to our San Bernardino law firm. Our team of legal experts will handle all elements of the case, aggressively fighting for your full and justified compensation from day one.

With almost three decades of experience, our team is the premier law firm of the Inland Empire, focusing on personal injury law and fighting for the rights of those injured in commercial trucking accidents. Contact us today if you’re interested in scheduling a free consultation for your case.

Commercial Trucking Accidents FAQ

Accidents that involve commercial trucks can result in serious injury or death. Commercial trucks are significantly heavier than passenger vehicles, and they are often found carrying hazardous or flammable materials. Truck drivers and truck manufacturers are held to very high legal standards, so if you have been injured in an accident with a commercial truck or vehicle, you may be entitled to reimbursement for your injuries and any damages you have suffered.

At Westphal Law Group in San Bernardino, our attorneys are well-versed in truck accident cases in the state of California. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it’s important to seek legal representation right away. Contact our trucking accident lawyers today for a free consultation of your case.

Why Are Commercial Trucking Accidents So Serious?

Commercial trucking accidents commonly result in more injuries simply due to the size and weight of the truck itself. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This can cause serious damage to a 3,000 pound passenger car and the people inside of it.

What Are The Dangers Of Driving Too Close To A Semi?

Commercial trucking accidents happen all the time in California. Most of these auto accidents occur when individuals drive too close to a semi. Many accidents happen due to:

Acceleration and braking limitations. When a small passenger car is cut off, it can decelerate at a somewhat quick pace to avoid an accident. When a semi or commercial truck gets cut off, however, the commercial truck that is hauling a heavy load will take a much longer time to slow down. At the end of the day, the acceleration and braking limitations of a heavy truck can contribute to the frequency of accidents.

Blind spots. Unlike a small passenger car, large semi trucks have multiple blind spots, including the left rear, right rear, and the space directly behind the truck.

How Do I Protect My Legal Rights After A Truck Accident?

If you find yourself in the unfortunate event of a truck accident, it’s important to seek legal representation right away. If the trucking company or their insurance company asks you to sign papers or discuss the incident, be sure to seek legal advice first. After the accident, make sure you file a police report. Delaying this step can have a negative impact on your case, because evidence can be lost, damaged, and destroyed.

Who Do I Sue If I Am Injured?

After a collision where a truck or commercial rig is at fault, you may have the right to sue a number of different parties. When you hire a professional personal injury attorney, they can help you figure out who is legally responsible for the accident. Liable companies may include one or more of the following:

The owner of the rig (this may be a waste management company, construction company, or other)

The owner of the tractor-trailer cab or the trucking company

The owner of the freight (this may include large corporations like Walmart and Target)

The manufacturer of the commercial vehicle

A third-party maintenance company

Trucking companies will always try to avoid liability, which is why it’s important to hire an accident attorney to help reveal your side of the case. At Westphal Law Group in San Bernardino, we’re passionate about helping people in truck accidents get the compensation they deserve. If you need immediate legal representation after a truck accident or car accident, contact our attorneys right away.

How Do I Prove That The Accident Wasn’t My Fault?

In order to prove that the commercial truck or rig is at fault for the automobile accident, you must be able to prove the other party’s fault or negligence. When you work with a personal injury lawyer, their team will help you gather and analyze any evidence of the incident. Your lawyer may then interview witnesses of the accident, the commercial truck driver, and even the trucking company’s upper management. Even if your accident was in part caused by a commercial driver, you have the right to seek legal compensation for your injury and damages. The commercial driver may be at fault if he or she did the following to contribute to the crash:

The semi truck driver was speeding or driving too fast

They failed to yield to the right-of-way

The commercial trucker was driving aggressively

The truck driver lost control of the trailer, cab, or cargo

They swerved into other lanes of traffic

They got behind the wheel when they were too tired

How Are Truck Accident Investigations Conducted

When you call an experienced truck accident lawyer, they will take the time to investigate all areas of your case. One of the first things your accident attorney may do is request the driver qualification file (DQF) from the company the driver works for. This file is a requirement of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and will include information regarding the driver’s history, records, and medical test results. Your attorney will also review the electronic on-board record, collect eye witness testimonies, and review any police reports.

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Why Choose Us?

Attorney Wesley Westphal is a graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law and is a former judge pro tem. He will go the fullest extent to represent his clients. To pursue his clients’ interests, Wesley Westphal has gone from oil wells off the shore of California to crane factories in Georgia and all points in-between. Westphal Law Group has a nearly 100% success rate on their cases. Through their expertise and experience, Westphal Law Group has obtained millions of dollars for their clients.